2012 Audi A7 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2012 Audi A7 has a complaint index of 93, ranked 2nd worst out of 16 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 30 complaints, 5 recalls, and 2 fires, with Engine problems making up 33% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 93/100
- #2 of 16 A7 years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 30
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 5
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 2
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 18 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2012 Audi A7 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine10 (33%)
- Airbags7 (23%)
- Electrical System6 (20%)
- Steering6 (20%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires4 (13%)
- Transmission & Powertrain4 (13%)
- Fuel System3 (10%)
- Other3 (10%)
- Brakes2 (7%)
- Structure & Body1 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Some vehicles experienced sudden fires linked to fuel or engine-compartment odors, with flames spreading toward the interior in at least one case.
- Owners report an engine that unexpectedly accelerated without pressing the pedal, causing low-speed crashes into parked cars.
- Tire sidewalls developed bubbling and multiple blowouts even with correct tire pressure and normal driving, in some cases while the car was parked.
- The front passenger airbag warning light illuminated due to a failed seat occupant detection sensor.
- A coolant leak into the wiring harness reportedly shorted the engine control module, triggering a check engine light and stall risk.
- The steering warning indicator flashed randomly along with sudden loss of acceleration, sometimes tied to a related recall.
2012 Audi A7 recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 18V370000Jun 4, 2018Airbags139,249 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S6 and S7, 2012-2018 A7 and A6 Sedan, and 2014-2018 RS7 vehicles equipped with basic seats (with or without heating). Stress or wear of the body-sensing mat within the front passenger seat may cause the Passenger Occupant Detection System (PODS) control module to malfunction.
Risk: If the PODS module malfunctions, the front passenger air bag may not deploy properly in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a PODS system repair kit, free of charge. The recall began November 29, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 74D5.
- NHTSA 17V781000Dec 6, 2017Fuel System48,693 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Audi A6 and A7 vehicles. The fuel line has a compression point that can weaken, potentially resulting in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel line, free of charge. The recall began February 5, 2018. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-888-237-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20AR.
- NHTSA 16V646000Sep 7, 2016Fuel System28,249 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Audi A6 and Audi A7 vehicles. The affected vehicles have a fuel hose in the engine compartment that may degrade and leak fuel.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Audi will notify owners, and dealers will replace the under hood fuel pump and fuel hose, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 24BZ.
2012 Audi A7 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,650
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other A7 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Audi A7 a bad year?
- Among 16 model years of the Audi A7, 2012 ranks 2nd worst with a complaint index of 93 and carries an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Audi A7?
- NHTSA data shows Engine issues lead at 33% of complaints, followed by Airbags at 23%, and Electrical System and Steering each at 20%.
- Does the 2012 Audi A7 have fuel system recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists three separate fuel system recalls for the 2012 A7 covering fuel line, fuel hose, and fuel rail issues, plus two airbag recalls.
- How many complaints and recalls does the 2012 Audi A7 have?
- NHTSA lists 30 complaints and 5 recalls for the 2012 Audi A7, including 2 crashes and 2 fires.
- What is the median mileage for engine failures in the 2012 Audi A7?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 102,000 miles for Engine-related failures in the 2012 A7.